2131-NOC

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

(NOC 22301)
Annual Earnings
$65,238
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
College Diploma or Apprenticeship, 2 or more years
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
1,290

Career Overview

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians support a wide variety processes in machinery and power transfer systems.

People in this occupation:

  • Help design, develop, test and maintain machines, components, tools, industrial robotics, heating and ventilating systems, power generation and power conversion plants, manufacturing plants and equipment
  • Solve design or repair problems in machinery or tools
  • Are employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, mechanical equipment companies, institutions and government departments

Good math and computer skills, as well as good interpersonal and problem solving skills help individuals to be successful in this occupation.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians also:

  • Have an interest in precision work with tools and equipment
  • Require manual dexterity with an attention to detail, as well as skills in organization, analysis and teamwork

Duties

Mechanical Engineering Technologists:

  • Prepare and interpret conventional and computer-assisted design (CAD) engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for machines and components, power transmission systems, process piping, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems
  • Prepare cost and material estimates, project schedules and reports
  • Conduct tests and analyses of machines, components and materials to determine their performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics
  • Design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in the manufacturing process and inspect mechanical installations and construction
  • Prepare contract and tender documents
  • Supervise, monitor and inspect mechanical installations and construction projects
  • Prepare standards and schedules, supervise mechanical maintenance programs or operations of mechanical plants, and may sell and service mechanical equipment and systems

Mechanical Engineering Technicians:

  • Assist in preparing conventional and CAD engineering designs, drawings and specifications and carry out a range of mechanical tests and analyses of machines, components and materials
  • Assist in the design of moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for use in the manufacturing process and assist in inspection of mechanical installations and construction projects
  • Participate in the installation, repair and maintenance of machinery and equipment

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$65,238

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$48.08/hr
Median$31.28/hr
Low$22.60/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

2,815

% Employed Full Time

70%
Source: 2021 Census

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically work 40 hours per week, however, overtime may be a regular requirement.

On the job, they use computers daily for communications, as well as for design and other functions. Those specializing in design will work at CAD stations, but will also spend a small percentage of their time working on site.

Most technicians and technologists work in offices, factories and labs, and some work in other settings, such as warehouses, power stations, mills or construction sites or in a combination of these environments.

Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists work alongside engineers to provide technical support and services or they may work independently.

These technicians wear protective gear as appropriate, including hard helmets, boots, eyewear and earplugs for noise when working on sites. Those working long hours at a computer workstation employ ergonomic work practices.

Career Pathways

Technicians can advance to mechanical technologist positions with further education and experience. Technologists may progress from designer or engineering assistant positions to supervisory or technical management positions or they can enter a degree program to become a mechanical engineer or pursue studies in management in technology and engineering. They may become involved in research and development, technical sales or drafting technology.

Members of this occupational group may specialize in one of the following areas: aeronautical technology, CAD/CAM, energy systems, fire protection, naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical design, mechanical technology, power engineering, robotics or tool and die design.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Realistic
Realistic

Job Titles

Aeronautical technologist
Heating designer
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologist
Machine designer
Marine engineering technologist
Mechanical engineering technician
Mechanical engineering technologist
Mechanical technologist
Mould designer
Thermal station technician
Tool and die designer
Tool designer

Education, Training and Skills

While work as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician is not restricted by legislation in British Columbia, many agencies and employers recognize or require the professional certification provided by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).

Certification and registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT designation) or Certified Technician (CTech designation) in the Mechanical Discipline requires completion of a diploma of technology (or equivalent) for the AScT designation or completion of a technician certificate (or equivalent) for the CTech designation. Certification for AScT or CTech also requires a minimum of two years work experience.

College training programs eligible for AScT or CTech certification may be accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) for the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). Full-time students may apply for student membership with ASTTBC.

Graduates are eligible for Graduate Technologist or Graduate Technician membership and may apply for full registration after completing the required minimum two years of relevant experience.

For more information, see the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.org.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Automation/Robotics
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

69%
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.

67%
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

66%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

65%
Speaking

Talking to others to share information effectively.

62%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

61%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

59%
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

59%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

56%
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

56%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

2,815
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 65 2.3%
Kootenay 75 2.7%
Mainland/Southwest 1,800 63.9%
North Coast and Nechako 45 1.6%
Northeast 60 2.1%
Thompson-Okanagan 280 9.9%
Vancouver Island/Coast 505 17.9%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

1,290
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 10 -0.8%
Kootenay 30 1.7%
Mainland/Southwest 880 1.3%
North Coast and Nechako 10 0.8%
Northeast 30 1.3%
Thompson-Okanagan 130 1.0%
Vancouver Island/Coast 190 1.2%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Professional, Scientific And Technical Services580
Manufacturing300
Construction110
Transportation And Warehousing70
Wholesale Trade50
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

Job openings will arise due to both new job creation and the need to replace experienced workers who retire.

It is expected that the demand from the energy and environmental fields will drive job growth in regions outside of the Lower Mainland in upcoming years.

Industry sources also expect there will be a significant shortage of skilled trades people to meet the demand in the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) mechanical systems industry.

Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists who are able complete their tasks in a cost-effective manner will be more competitive due to pressure to increase productivity in the Manufacturing industry. Knowledge of database applications and other computer applications will be increasingly useful to these workers, as they perform work duties in environments that have become more computer-controlled.

Resources